This week marks the release of Jurassic World Rebirth, arriving in theaters more than three decades after the debut of the original dinosaur franchise film.
But the cinematic event is not the only highlight of the coming week.
The highly anticipated Oasis reunion tour commences, with the BBC providing a livestream of pre-show coverage and reactions. Additionally, Evita, starring Rachel Zegler, officially opens, and The Sandman returns to screens for its second season.
Continue reading for a detailed look at the week’s upcoming events…
In 1993, the release of Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park sparked a global cultural phenomenon.
The film ignited widespread fascination with dinosaurs and was lauded for its groundbreaking use of computer-generated imagery.
Since then, six sequels have been released, with Jurassic World Rebirth, the seventh installment, debuting on Wednesday.
Directed by Gareth Edwards, the film stars Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey. The actors were recently seen sharing a kiss at the film’s London premiere.
Bailey later commented to Entertainment Tonight: “I believe in being able to show the love in all different ways, and if you can’t kiss your friends… life is too short not to.”
Set five years after the events of 2022’s Jurassic World Dominion, the film depicts a world where surviving dinosaurs inhabit isolated tropical regions. Initial reviews have been mixed.
In a post on X, Variety’s Jazz Tangcay hailed the film as a “roaring triumph” and “a beautiful homage to the original.”
Conversely, John Flickinger, host of The Flick Pick, offered a more critical assessment, describing the film as “just blah” and “a string of forgettable scenes that go nowhere.”
Last summer, a palpable excitement swept the nation following the announcement that Oasis would be reuniting for a series of live performances.
The announcement generated widespread media coverage and a social media frenzy as tickets went on sale, with many fans voicing criticism of the sales process and pricing.
For those fortunate enough to secure tickets, the tour commences this week with the inaugural performance at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
For fans who missed out on tickets, the BBC will be broadcasting a special livestream, Oasis: Countdown to the Comeback, leading up to the highly anticipated concert. Hosted by Jason Mohammad and Tina Daheley, the broadcast will begin at 1pm on Friday, originating from a location overlooking the stadium.
While the livestream will not include the full concert, viewers can expect live coverage, special guest appearances, and on-the-ground reports from reporters interacting with fans throughout the city.
Following the concert, the broadcast will feature immediate reactions and live reviews as the excitement continues into the evening.
By Danny Fullbrook, culture reporter
Passersby in central London may have recently been treated to an impromptu performance by Rachel Zegler, star of Snow White.
Zegler takes on the lead role in Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s production of Evita, which officially opens on Tuesday after a period of preview performances that began in mid-June.
In this production, Zegler performs the show’s signature song, Don’t Cry for Me Argentina, to those outside from a balcony above the London Palladium’s entrance, while ticket holders watch via video feed from inside.
This serenade is the latest unconventional approach from director Jamie Lloyd, known for his fusion of theatre and film. Last year, Tom Holland performed a portion of Romeo & Juliet on a rooftop.
Theatre blogger Carl Woodward acknowledged that some ticket holders may feel “a bit aggrieved” by this unconventional performance.
However, Lord Lloyd-Webber told BBC Radio 2 that Zegler is “a bit of a phenomenon,” adding, “She does Rainbow High in Evita, which is the really difficult song, I think the best I’ve ever heard it.”
On Thursday, season two of The Sandman will be released on Netflix.
The first season, adapted from British author Neil Gaiman’s comic book series, premiered in 2022 and was well-received by critics and audiences alike.
The new and final season, once again starring Tom Sturridge as Dream, will see the character confront a series of difficult decisions as he attempts to protect himself, his realm, and the waking world from the repercussions of his past actions.
Showrunner Allan Heinberg expressed hope that the adaptation would “surprise and delight the comics’ loyal readers as well as fans of our show.”
Earlier this year, Gaiman faced allegations of sexual misconduct from eight women, including four who had previously spoken out.
He denied the allegations, stating he had “never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever.”
Following the claims, several of his film and TV projects were affected, but The Sandman is still scheduled for release as planned.
Netflix declined to comment when contacted by BBC News.
The actor died at his home in Kent after contracting Covid and developing pneumonia, his agent said.
No “high risk” music acts will be broadcast live in the future after Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury set.
Keith McIvor co-ran Optimo Espacio – one of Glasgow’s most loved club nights – for 13 years between 1997 and 2010.
Duran Duran guitarist Dom Brown is experiencing a wave of nostalgia about his childhood home town.
The tickets are for West Midlands performances by iconic ’60s bands, and are expected to fetch £500.